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If you’re planning a trip around Iceland’s Ring Road, don’t sleep on Akureyri. Tucked into a stunning fjord in the north, this little city is full of surprises!

From geothermal hot springs, art-filled streets, and yes, hot dogs worth detouring for.

This guide covers the top things to do in Akureyri, based on what I actually experienced, tasted, and photographed. Here is everything you need to know!

What Is Akureyri & Why Visit?

Akureyri is often called the “Capital of North Iceland,” and while it’s the second-largest city in the country, it still feels cozy and walkable.

Located along Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, the town is surrounded by mountains, water, and plenty of nature to explore.

It’s a popular stop for travelers doing the full Ring Road loop, and a great base if you plan to visit places like Goðafoss, Mývatn, or Húsavík.

We went whale watching in Husavik! Read all about that here: Husavik Whale Watching: Iceland’s Best Tour with North Sailing

But Akureyri itself is worth exploring. From local food spots and indie boutiques to geothermally heated pools and peaceful walking paths, this town has a little bit of everything.

How We Spent a Day in Akureyri

We only had one day in Akureyri, and we weren’t wasting a second! Luckily, we visited during Iceland’s Midnight Sun, so we had plenty of daylight to soak it all in.

From here, we did the Diamond Circle! Read my Diamond Circle Iceland Itinerary: Top Things to See & Do (2025)!

1. Volcano Hot Dogs at Pylsurvagninn Akureyri

If there’s one thing you learn quickly in Iceland, it’s that hot dogs are a big deal.

Whether you’re fueling up at a gas station or grabbing a late-night snack, Icelandic pylsur are everywhere — and yes, I had probably 20 of them during my trip.

Pylsurvagninn Akureyri is a little hot dog stand located right by the water downtown. I went straight for the Volcano Dog, and it did not disappoint.

It came loaded with crispy onions, fresh jalapeños, ketchup, cocktail sauce, remoulade, mustard, and a drizzle of sriracha for that extra heat.

It was a totally different experience from the classic pylsur with just crispy onions and sweet brown mustard.

And we definitely earned it after doing the Stóra-Grábrók Crater Hike: A Must-See Stop on Ring Road!

2. Strolling Through Downtown Akureyri

One of the best ways to experience Akureyri is simply by walking through its charming downtown.

It’s compact, colorful, and full of surprises — from cozy cafés and art galleries to those famous heart-shaped stoplights!

As we wandered, we came across all kinds of quirky street art from painted walls to sculptures..

One of the highlights was spotting the giant troll-witch statue (you really can’t miss her!). She’s large, a little spooky, and totally on-brand for Iceland’s deep connection to folklore and legends.

Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs, grabbing an ice cream, or admiring local art, downtown Akureyri has that perfect mix of culture and charm.

3. Climbing the Steps to Akureyrarkirkja

You can’t miss Akureyrarkirkja, the striking church that towers over the town from its hilltop perch.

Designed by the same architect behind Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja, this Lutheran church is one of Akureyri’s most iconic landmarks.

We couldn’t resist walking up the steep steps to see it up close.

The climb is short but scenic, with a great view of the town and fjord as you go. Once we reached the top, we admired the dramatic twin spires, clean lines, and simple beauty of the architecture.

We didn’t go inside, but the outside alone is worth the stop.

4. Soaking in the Forest Lagoon

After a full day of walking, sightseeing, and snacking our way through Akureyri, we made our way to the iconic Forest Lagoon.

Just a 5-minute drive from downtown across the river, this geothermal spa is tucked into the hillside with views of the surrounding forest and fjord.

There’s also a shuttle if you don’t have a car, but we chose to drive ourselves.

We arrived on a bright, sunny afternoon, and so did a tour bus. Needless to say, it was packed.

But even with the crowds, it didn’t feel overwhelming.

Forest Lagoon has more of a “party spa” vibe than some of the quieter hot springs we visited in Iceland, but it’s still totally enjoyable for all ages.

We spent about two hours soaking in the lagoon, drink in hand, watching the sun bounce off the water and the trees around us.

The wine hit just right, and it was one of those moments that reminded us why Iceland’s geothermal culture is so special!

Want more Iceland Hot Springs? Read all about my Silica Hotel Iceland Review: My Stay Near the Blue Lagoon

5. Dinner at Rub23

When looking for a spot to splurge a little in Akureyri, we kept seeing one name pop up over and over: Rub23.

This trendy downtown restaurant is known for its creative fusion of local Icelandic ingredients with fresh sushi, and after reading all the glowing reviews, we decided to book a table.

We went all in and ordered the tasting menu to get the full experience.

Each course was beautifully plated and full of bold flavors, mixing things like Arctic char and wasabi mayo with perfectly rolled maki and creative small plates.

I thought the dinner was great, but did it blow my mind? No. However, it’s a great little date night spot.

6. Drinks at Eyja Vínstofa & Bistro

We were ready to wrap up our night with a cocktail and Eyja Vínstofa & Bistro.

The restaurant was packed when we arrived, but we lucked out and grabbed two seats at the bar.

I’m not exaggerating when I say this: Eyja served up the best cocktail I had in all of Iceland.

It was a prize-winning cocktail called the Jörmungandr, made with Marberg gin, oysterleaf, white wine, Tabasco, lime, and blue curaçao. It tasted like the ocean — briny, balanced, and bold in the best way.

Honestly, I wish we had eaten dinner here instead. The vibe was relaxed but elevated, the service was great, and everything coming out of the kitchen looked amazing.

If you’re a foodie like me, I’d recommend choosing Eyja over Rub 23 — or if you’re staying in Akureyri for two nights, definitely do both.

Other Great Things to Do in Akureyri (If You Have More Time)

• Akureyri Botanical Garden – One of the world’s northernmost botanical gardens. Free to visit and perfect for a peaceful stroll through native and international plant life.
• Nonni’s House (Nonnahús) – A small historical home-turned-museum that gives a glimpse into 19th-century Icelandic life. Great for history lovers.
• Icelandic Aviation Museum – Located near the airport, this small but well-done museum showcases Iceland’s aviation history with real aircraft and local stories.
• Whale Watching from Akureyri – Take a fjord cruise and spot humpback whales, minke whales, or orcas. A great alternative to Húsavík if you’re short on time.

Where to Stay in Akureyri

There are plenty of great places to stay in Akureyri, but if you want to be in the heart of everything, I can personally recommend Hotel Kea by Keahotels.

The location was everything I wanted and more — we could see Akureyrarkirkja Church right from our bedroom window.

If you’re looking for convenience and walkability, Hotel Kea is a solid choice.

Driving all of Ring Road? Read my Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 41 Stops, Optional Add-Ons + Map!

Other Great Places to Stay in Akureyri

• Hotel Akureyri Dynheimar – Stylish boutique hotel with a trendy café and a cozy, creative vibe. Great for couples and solo travelers.
• Icelandair Hotel Akureyri – Modern and comfortable, with great views and free parking. A bit farther uphill but still close to town.
• Hrafninn Guesthouse – Budget-friendly, centrally located guesthouse with simple, clean rooms and welcoming hosts.
• Lava Apartments & Rooms – Apartment-style stays right in downtown, perfect for longer trips or travelers who want a kitchen.

Explore More of Iceland

Akureyri might be small, but it packs in so much charm, culture, and adventure.

Whether you’re here for a few hours or a couple of days, Akureyri is absolutely worth the detour.

Before visiting Akueryi, we stopped at Stóra-Grábrók Crater Hike: A Must-See Stop on Ring Road.

Driving all of Ring Road? Read my Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 41 Stops, Optional Add-Ons + Map!

Then we made our way along the Diamond Circle Iceland Itinerary: Top Things to See & Do (2025)!

From here we went whale watching in Husavik! Read about Husavik Whale Watching: Iceland’s Best Tour with North Sailing.

Then we got to see Puffins! Borgarfjörður-Eystri-iceland-puffins

We also stayed at the Silica Hotel at Blue Lagoon! My Stay Near the Blue Lagoon.

Read all of my Iceland Travel Guides!